What if your cabinets could do more than just hold things and actually make your home feel smarter and more organized?
Custom cabinets are designed to fit your space perfectly, blending style, functionality, and personal touches that reflect your lifestyle.
Knowing the custom cabinet cost upfront helps you plan a kitchen, bathroom, or utility space that works for you, maximizes storage, and adds long-term value to your home.
Every detail can be tailored, making your space truly yours.
Let’s get started.
What Are Custom Cabinets?
Custom cabinets are fully tailored to fit your space perfectly, making them a smart choice for homeowners who want both style and functionality.
Unlike stock or semi-custom options, which come in standard sizes and limited designs, custom cabinets are built from scratch to meet your exact needs and preferences.
They offer important benefits, including a perfect fit, complete personalization in style, materials, finishes, and hardware, and long-lasting durability that adds real value to your home.
Beyond functionality, custom cabinets help maximize storage space, improve room organization, lifts the overall look of your home, and increase property value, giving you a practical and stylish solution that truly reflects your taste.
Average Custom Cabinet Cost
Custom cabinet costs vary by project size and location.
The table below shows typical price ranges to help estimate budget expectations:
|
Location / Scope |
Typical Cost Range |
Notes |
|
National Average |
$2,800-$30,000+ |
Small projects start at the lower end, while full kitchens with premium materials exceed $30,000. |
|
Seattle (Mid-Range Projects) |
$8,000-$18,000 |
Costs vary based on materials, layout complexity, and custom features. |
|
Chicago (Mid to Large Kitchens) |
$15,000-$35,000+ |
Larger kitchens and added customization increase total pricing. |
Cost Per Linear Foot
Custom cabinets are often priced per linear foot, which helps homeowners estimate costs more accurately before committing.
Typical ranges include:
- $100-$500 per linear foot: for standard projects
- $900-$2,500+ per linear foot: for high-end designs and premium materials
Linear-foot pricing allows you to calculate a rough budget based on your kitchen layout or room size, giving a clearer view of the total investment needed for your project.
Factors Affecting Custom Cabinet Cost
Custom cabinet costs vary based on several key factors. Knowing these helps you plan an accurate budget.
1. Materials
The type of material you choose impacts both cost and durability. MDF and plywood are budget-friendly, while maple, birch, and white oak offer stronger, long-lasting options.
Premium woods like cherry, walnut, or exotics provide luxury looks but come at a higher price.
Choose materials that match your style, lifestyle, and how much wear your cabinets will see.
2. Size and Layout
The more cabinets and linear footage you need, the higher the cost. Ceiling-height cabinets, kitchen islands, and corner units add complexity.
A well-planned layout maximizes storage but also requires more materials and labor.
Thinking about how you use your space helps keep costs reasonable while getting the storage you need.
3. Design Complexity
Simple shaker or flat-panel cabinets are more affordable, but intricate designs increase labor and cost.
Features like angled corners, built-ins, carved moldings, or decorative panels require skilled craftsmanship.
If you love detailed aesthetics, budget extra, because these touches elevate both the beauty and the price of your cabinets.
4. Features & Accessories
Adding functional upgrades like soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, spice racks, hidden trash bins, or lighting can make your kitchen more efficient and enjoyable.
Each feature adds cost, but they also save daily hassle.
Think about which add-ons you will actually use and which are just “nice to have.”
5. Labor & Installation
Skilled installation is critical for longevity and finish. Labor rates usually range $70-$175/hour, depending on complexity and location.
Complicated layouts, tall cabinets, or tricky corners take longer to install, which adds cost.
Choosing experienced installers ensures your cabinets look great and last for decades.
6. Finishes & Customization
The finish affects both appearance and cost. Standard paint is affordable, but custom colors, multi-layer glazes, high-gloss finishes, or hand-applied details increase labor and materials.
A personalized finish makes your cabinets truly yours, but it’s worth planning your budget to balance beauty with practicality.
Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown
Custom cabinet costs differ depending on the room and its specific needs. Understanding typical price ranges helps plan your budget accurately.
Kitchen Cabinets:
Cost typically ranges from $13,000-$30,000. Large kitchens with islands, appliance panels, or premium finishes can exceed $50,000.
Prices depend on layout, material choice, and additional features like pull-out drawers or soft-close hardware.
Bathroom Cabinets:
Small vanities cost $700-$7,000, while full primary bathroom cabinets range $10,000-$15,000.
Costs depend on size, materials, and added features like custom moldings or integrated lighting.
Pantry, Laundry & Garage Cabinets:
Pantry cabinets range $300-$5,000, laundry $250-$2,000, and garage $1,000-$6,000.
Prices vary based on size, materials, and functional features such as heavy-duty shelving or built-in organizers.
Comparison of Custom With Other Options
When planning a kitchen or home renovation, knowing your cabinet options is essential. Comparing costs and benefits helps you make informed choices that fit your budget and style.
|
Cabinet Type |
Price Range (Linear Foot / Total) |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Stock Cabinets |
$60-$300 per linear foot $3,000-$10,000 (small kitchens) |
Affordable, quick installation |
Limited styles, not ideal for irregular spaces |
|
Semi-Custom Cabinets |
$150-$900 per linear foot $5,000-$30,000 average |
Some customization without full cost |
Can exceed custom cost if heavily upgraded |
|
Custom Cabinets |
$100-$1,500+ per linear foot Small projects $2,500+, large kitchens $30,000+ |
Fully personalized, high quality |
Higher upfront cost, longer production time |
How to Save Money on Custom Cabinets
Saving on custom cabinets doesn’t mean cutting quality. Small planning and smart choices can significantly reduce costs without compromising style or functionality.
- Plan Ahead and Prioritize: Focus on must-have features first and avoid unnecessary upgrades.
- Choose Cost-Effective Materials: Use MDF, birch, or semi-custom options for less visible areas.
- Consider DIY or Partial Customization: Handle painting, refinishing, or small components yourself.
- Compare Quotes and Negotiate: Get multiple estimates to ensure competitive pricing.
- Optimize Project Timing: Schedule renovations during off-season to potentially reduce labor and material costs.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Custom cabinets offer clear functional and financial benefits.
Functionally, they provide better organization with pull-out shelves, drawer organizers, and hidden compartments, making items easier to access and maximizing storage space.
Financially, they can increase a home’s resale value by 10-15% by attracting buyers who value high-quality, tailored design.
Durable materials and personalized layouts ensure long-term usability, making custom cabinetry a practical investment that enhances both convenience and property value.
Conclusion
Custom cabinets are an investment that combines style, function, and long-term value.
By understanding custom cabinet cost, materials, features, and layout, you can plan a kitchen, bathroom, or utility space that perfectly fits your needs.
They maximize storage, improve organization, and make your home look better while increasing property value.
With careful planning and smart choices, you can create a space that reflects your taste and lifestyle.
Start today to determine the right custom cabinet cost for your dream home!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is 20 linear feet of cabinets?
For 20 linear feet of standard custom cabinets, costs typically range from $2,000-$10,000 depending on materials and features. High-end designs can reach $18,000-$50,000+ for the same length.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a cabinet?
Buying stock or semi-custom cabinets is cheaper upfront. Building custom cabinets costs more but provides a perfect fit, higher quality, and long-term value.
Is $10,000 enough for a kitchen remodel?
$10,000 can cover a small or mid-size kitchen remodel with budget-friendly materials. Full custom kitchens usually cost $15,000-$50,000+, so careful planning is needed.
Are custom cabinets worth the money?
Custom cabinets are worth the investment for a perfect fit, high-quality materials, and personalized design. They also add long-term durability and increase home value.
What is a linear foot in cabinet pricing?
A linear foot measures the length of cabinets in a straight line. Pricing per linear foot helps estimate costs based on cabinet length and materials rather than overall room size.
